Built in 1862, Dunedin’s Crown Hotel is a colourful venue where pool sharks and beatniks rub shoulders with retirees and students. A key part of the development of the local music scene and a thriving creative hub during the 80s and 90s, it was a fitting venue for a show that was both a tribute to and an evolution of Dunedin’s iconic indie sound.

Up the sweeping steps and between the crumbling pillars of the once-grand Mercury Theatre, a beautiful haze of existential angst awaits. Shayne Carter is preparing to unleash his one man blues explosion, and a string quartet is about to usher SJD’s latest album, Saint John Divine, up into the heavens.

I've seen Tami Neilson play a few times now, but she blew me away at the Church Tour: Lost Highway at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell last night. Add Delaney Davidson into the mix - that country crooner whose voice is like that poisoned apple you know you shouldn't eat - and you've got yourself an evening of angels and devils, sinners and saints, all playing out against a Gothic cathedral chancel.

There are still tickets available for tonight's show - and The Church Tour is also visiting Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Eb and Sparrow at The Wine Cellar last night was a marvelous treat. The Wellington-based band, who are "country with indie aspirations" performed not one but TWO magical sets, ably supported by the lovely folk music of Nadia Reid.

Gypsy, by British prog rock band Uriah Heep, is one of my favourite songs, so I jumped at the chance to review them at The Studio last night. It turns out they're still writing old-school metal earworms - new songs The Law and Outsider were two of last night's highlights (and Gypsy totally rocked my world). Read my full review on The 13th Floor.

Sometimes on a Friday you're exhausted after work and not sure that you fancy traipsing down to the Kings Arms to check out an 80s pop band. Sometimes it's on these kinds of nights that you have your best musical experiences. Last night was one of those nights. Pseudo Echo's sound is current, fresh, and above all - loud! You can read my review on Marty Duda's 13th Floor website.

Author

My short fiction has been published in Headland, Hue and Cry, Pot Roast and Aerodrome. I'm an award-winning playwright and zine creator, and my play Indiscretions was published by Playmarket. I have contributed articles and creative non-fiction to The Spinoff, The Sunday Star Times, The NZ Herald and more. I also manage the social media for my cat Bruce, and I wrote and illustrated a children's book, Bruce Finds A Home, based on his exploits.